Liverpool have confirmed their plans to field two separate squads to compete in both the Club World Cup and their Carabao Cup quarter-final against Aston Villa, and some fans of the West Midlands’ side have been speaking out following Jurgen Klopp’s comments on the situation.
With the two fixtures coinciding, Liverpool will attempt to win the games at both Villa Park and in Qatar, despite Klopp’s previous request for the English Football League (EFL) to reconsider scheduling their tie with Dean Smith’s side.
The Liverpool boss, as reported by James Pearce of The Athletic, said to reporters: “Can we ask Aston Villa to come to Qatar and we play the game over there?”
Whilst a manager as jovial as the German coach could easily have been speaking in jest, these Villa fans were quick to respond to the Liverpool manager’s comments, with a number asking the Champions League-winning boss to pay for their travel to Qatar.
Here are some of the best reactions from these Villa fans following the confirmation of Klopp’s comments.
One of Manchester United’s most consistent performers this season, Scott McTominay has well and truly established himself as a cornerstone of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side’s midfield.
The Scotland international has featured in every single Premier League game this year, and as per Whoscored, has an impressive average match rating in the top-flight of 7.07 – a tally that puts him in fourth in the Red Devils’ entire squad, only behind the likes of Marcus Rashford, Paul Pogba and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
However, after picking up a knock in the clash against Partizan Belgrade in the Europa League on Thursday, Solskjaer confirmed the 22-year-old is a doubt to face Brighton Sunday afternoon.
After hearing the injury update on the midfielder, United fans flooded to Twitter to voice their thoughts on the situation, and demanded the Red Devils boss hand a chance to James Garner.
The academy product has only made fleeting appearances for the first-team this season, playing just eight minutes of Premier League football.
But with McTominay potentially ruled out, supporters of the Manchester side clamoured for the 18-year-old to be given a rare start in the middle of the park.
Check out some of the reaction of United fans below:
Amid reported negotiations with both Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak, Paul Mitchell now reportedly wants to step up contract talks with yet another Newcastle United star.
Newcastle contract news
The Magpies have reportedly agreed a new deal with star man Anthony Gordon in a big-money contract that represents his rise to the top at St James’ Park. A new deal should secure his future at the club amid links with a move back to Merseyside and former rivals Liverpool in what should be seen as a crucial development for all involved.
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Those at St James’ Park certainly admire their winger too, having put together quite the display to celebrate the rumours that Gordon has put pen to paper prior to last weekend’s 1-1 draw against Manchester City. Meanwhile, the former Everton man instantly paid back that gratitude, scoring from the spot to earn his side a deserved point against the Premier League champions.
Gordon’s not the only one that the Magpies want to reward with a new contract either, with reports indicating that Isak is also on the list amid concerns over his long-term future in Tyneside. Whilst the Swede’s current deal doesn’t expire until 2028, offering him new and improved terms is far from a bad idea if Newcastle want to secure his services for years to come.
What’s more, according to Mark Douglas, Mitchell now wants to step up contract talks with Sean Longstaff after Isak and Gordon, with the midfielder’s current deal set to come to an end next summer.
Premier League, Everton, Everton news, Everton latest news, Everton analysis, Everton transfers, Everton transfer news, Goodison Park, Toffees, Sean Longstaff, Farhad Moshiri
"Excellent" Longstaff still important despite Tonali return
Whilst it would be easy to write Longstaff off following the return of Sandro Tonali, the 26-year-old is more than a proven Premier League midfielder these days and has offered Eddie Howe quite the selection headache in the middle of the park.
Of course, the prospect of Tonali combining with Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton is a mouth-watering one, but whether that trio maintains the balance that the £50,000-a-week Longstaff can provide in the middle of the park remains to be seen.
Progressive Carries
24
65
29
Progressive Passes
145
283
56
Tackles Won
30
53
27
Ball Recoveries
120
237
85
Howe will certainly be among those hoping to see his midfielder put pen to paper on a new deal, having previously been full of praise for Longstaff, telling reporters via Chronicle Live: “Sean’s been excellent. He does a lot of work, tireless work, for the team in every phase.
“We ask a lot of our midfield players, physically, and especially the wide ones. Sean has played that role on the right-hand side very intelligently and he’s physically very good, tireless with his energy and defensively very good, improving all aspects of his game.”
Liverpool defeated Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux last weekend, but it wasn’t a performance to write home about. Ah but what is it they say? Winning without playing well is a mark of a champion.
This is true, to a degree, and Liverpool have blown several teams away so far under Arne Slot. Manchester United were silenced at Old Trafford; the Champions League opener against AC Milan at the San Siro; West Ham United were flattened like so many ants at Anfield in the Carabao Cup.
Liverpool host Bologna in the Champions League on Tuesday before travelling to Crystal Palace in the Premier League ahead of another boring international break. Then it’s Arsenal and Chelsea, which is fear-inducing.
One or two players need to step up a level, with Dominik Szoboszlai the most notable.
Why Dominik Szoboszlai is underperforming
Szoboszlai was shoehorned into a deeper-lying role than he might have liked under Jurgen Klopp last year, but it worked, by and large. Still, Slot’s system calls for a number ten, and the Hungary captain fits the bill and has been deployed on new ground.
Dominik Szoboszlai warms up for Liverpool
He brings plenty of energy and positivity to Liverpool’s attack and contributes toward the fluency, but Szoboszlai is not producing the kind of numbers that Slot and the Reds fanbase will crave.
Indeed, seven matches into the campaign, the 23-year-old has scored one goal and added one assist across seven matches, with his indifferent display at Molineux encapsulated by a horrible miss in the first half, firing point blank at Sam Johnstone after an excellent whipped delivery from Diogo Jota.
Perhaps, against Italian opposition on Wednesday, it’s time for something to change. Slot might be tempted to make a change or two, and he must start Curtis Jones in Szoboszlai’s place.
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Liverpool's best Szoboszlai replacement
Slot has demonstrated a ruthless streak already at Liverpool, and while Szoboszlai is a highly talented player, he’s not performing to the level that perhaps he can yet reach this term.
A demotion to the bench for the forthcoming Champions League tie might prove to be the kick up the backside that the vibrant playmaker needs. With Jones waiting in the wings, it seems like a no-brainer.
Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones
Jones has the perfect – on paper – skillset for ‘Slotball’, prioritising control and slickness in possession. As per FBref, he ranks among the top 13% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 9% for pass completion, the top 5% for progressive carries, the top 4% for successful take-ons and the top 22% for shot-creating actions per 90.
He played a starring role throughout Liverpool’s pre-season but was unfortunately injured in August in what has disrupted his early-season performances. He’s featured off the bench in each of Liverpool’s past three Premier League games but received his first starting berth against West Ham in the Carabao Cup last week, impressing in a hybrid-like and roaming midfield role.
Minutes played
90′
Assists
1
Touches
60
Shots (on target)
4 (1)
Big chances missed
2
Accurate passes
42/44 (95%)
Key passes
1
Dribbles (completed)
2 (2)
Total duels (won)
7 (2)
The Liverpool Echo’s Paul Gorst issued a glowing endorsement after the display, writing: ‘Always wanted the ball and was constantly showing for it. Brilliant piece of play at the beginning and end of the move that created the second goal, it was his threaded pass to Jota. Unlucky not to have a goal of his own.’
He’s mobile and enterprising, willing to drive forward and leave backlines riven in two with a well-placed pass. Praised for his “truly special” style of play by one analyst, Jones’ passing accuracy and intelligence on the ball make a telling comment on his future success under Slot’s wing. He’s worthy of a starting berth.
Sorry, Szoboszlai, but it’s time to head to the bench.
Liverpool struck gold with £0 star who's now worth as much as Gravenberch
Liverpool £0 man is now worth as much as Gravenberch
Unfortunately for Manchester United and their fans, it's already starting to feel like more of the same in the Premier League this season.
Erik ten Hag's men may have picked up all three points in their season opener against Fulham, but in the two games since, they haven't picked up any.
There is still clearly plenty of talent in this team, but with sides around them already starting to pull away, Ten Hag cannot afford to drop any more points against Southampton, and he must make changes.
Erik ten Hag
One of those changes should be to drop Marcus Rashford, as his underwhelming form from last season has seemingly carried over, and the manager has a solution on the bench.
Rashford's recent form
So the first thing to say is that when he's on song, Rashford is easily one of the most dangerous attackers in the Premier League, if not Europe, but therein lies the problem: he's not on song and hasn't been for some time.
For example, he followed up his incredible haul of 30 goals and 11 assists in 56 appearances in the 22/23 campaign with a disappointing return of eight goals and six assists in 43 appearances last season.
In other words, the Englishman went from averaging a goal involvement every 1.36 games to one every 3.07 games last year, and unfortunately, he's carried on that underwhelming form into this season.
Appearances
3
Goals
0
Assists
0
Shots
0
Passes per Match
23
Offsides
3
For example, in his three league games thus far, the 26-year-old has failed to score or assist a goal, and while he has created the odd chance for his teammates, he's just looked ineffective in attack.
There is undoubtedly still a quality player in there, but it feels like he could do with some time out of the team.
Manchester United's Marcus Rashford
Moreover, considering United are playing one of if not the weakest teams in the league tomorrow, it feels like the perfect opportunity to make a change and start one of the club's young and exciting wingers in his place.
Why Diallo should start
Yes, the youngster who should come back into the side is Amad Diallo, but he should do so on the right, meaning Alejandro Garnacho shifts over to the left, where he has started the majority of games in his career.
Now, nobody is claiming that the young Ivorian is a better player than Rashford at this point, but unlike the Englishman, he is not burdened with a combination of expectations for what fans know he can do and pressure due to what he has done.
Moreover, while the former Atalanta gem is still young, 22 is old enough for him to be getting regular starts in the first team, and while he's still somewhat raw, he has looked good when given the opportunity to play.
For example, against Brighton & Hove Albion last month, he scored and looked dangerous in attack, and while last season saw him spend a lot of time out with injury issues, the campaign prior saw him light up the Championship with Sunderland.
In just 43 appearances, the Abidjan-born "superstar", as dubbed by football creator Liam Canning, scored 14 goals and provided four assists, meaning he averaged a goal involvement once every 2.38 games for the Black Cats.
Ultimately, while the step-up to Premier League football is significant, Diallo has shown he has the potential to thrive, and with Rashford still underwhelming, Ten Hag must take full advantage of a game against Southampton and start the Ivorian in place of the Englishman.
He's like De Jong: Man Utd have already sold their next Gomes for just £850k
Newcastle United have been strongly linked with a move for Dominik Szoboszlai this summer and now a new update has emerged from a reliable source on the club's pursuit of the player.
What's the latest on Newcastle's interest in Szoboszlai?
According to Sky Sports' North East correspondent Keith Downie, Newcastle are now focusing their attention on the RB Leipzig attacker after Tottenham Hotspur progress their deal to sign James Maddison.
Downie took to Twitter on Tuesday evening to reveal: "Newcastle target James Maddison is in advanced talks with Spurs, report my colleagues @skysportspaulg & @skysports_sheth. "Cautious optimism” a deal will get done — small gap in valuation with Leicester. NUFC likely to look to RB Leipzig’s Dominik Szoboszlai as option."
Italian journalist and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has also revealed the player's release clause and when it will expire:
"This is how Dominik Szoboszlai’s exit clause works. Only valid until June 30 — worth €70m (£60m)."
Would Szoboszlai be a good signing for Newcastle?
There is no doubt that Eddie Howe will be thrilled with the progress his squad at St James' Park has made during his first full season in charge, however, now the manager faces new and difficult challenges as the club prepares for Champions League football next season.
This will be the first time Howe has ever managed a side in Europe, and it's the first time that Newcastle have qualified in over two decades, so there will be a lot of work to be done in pre-season, as well as a strong transfer window to recruit new additions who can add quality and experience.
As a result, the signing of Szoboszlai – hailed a "future icon" by scout Jacek Kulig – would be a great opportunity for Newcastle to add some depth to their attacking threat as the versatile talent is prolific in a number of positions.
Dominik Szoboszlai
The 22-year-old has taken on many roles over his short career so far with a wealth of experience in countless positions including central midfield, attacking midfield, as well as taking up a more advanced role on the left and right wings of the forward line, making him a hugely valuable asset and potentially a much better alternative to Maddison.
Indeed, when comparing the Hungarian ace to his Leicester City positional peer, Szoboszlai outperformed Maddison in a number of key attributes including shots on target rate (48.3% v 32.5%), pass completion (79.9% v 73.4%), shot-creating actions per 90 (5.52 v 5.01) and goal-creating actions per 90 (0.63 v 0.47), proving that he is a more consistent performer in front of goal and a more creative option for Howe to deploy next season.
Another strength that Szoboszlai possesses over Maddison is a wealth of Champions League experience; with 25 appearances in the elite European competition – scoring eight goals and registering three assists.
With that being said, it would be a no-brainer for Newcastle to snap up the services of Szoboszlai this summer as he could be a real threat to opponents from a number of positions and would provide the club with a fresh perspective in the final third next season.
Leeds United have placed Scott Parker under serious consideration to be their new long-term manager, according to reports.
Where is Scott Parker now?
Parker is a former professional turned coach who has gradually built up experience over the years, having started out in charge of Tottenham Hotspur’s U18s before going on to take the helm himself at Fulham, Bournemouth and most recently Club Brugge, who he departed in March, as per Transfermarkt.
Following the 42-year-old’s exit from the Belgian Pro League, he is now a free agent on the market and waiting to embark on his next adventure, and it sounds like he’s got admirers within the hierarchy at Elland Road.
The Athletic’s Phil Hay reported that the Whites were set to interview Parker last week alongside Daniel Farke and Patrick Vieira, and the 49ers must have liked what they saw from him as he is firmly being thought about to return to the Championship.
Are Leeds appointing Parker?
According to Football Insider, Parker is “in the frame” at Leeds to be appointed as their new boss ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.
The Yorkshire outfit are “keen” to recruit someone who is currently out of work and that has experience in the top-flight, a criteria which all of the above mentioned trio meet, therefore making them the “leading candidates” for the job.
The report adds that the board are hoping to bring in their news boss over the course of the next week in time for the beginning of pre-season.
Club Brugge's former manager Scott Parker.
Leeds supporters will recognise that Parker is a younger candidate to be targeting compared to the likes of Javi Gracia and Sam Allardyce, but Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola lauded him as an “innovative” coach for his new ideas, so he could be an ideal fit for a team in need of a new dawn.
In the Championship, the Lambeth-born coach, whose preferred formation is an attack-minded 4-3-3, has won 48, drawn 25 and lost just 19 games from 92, taking 169 points from a possible 276, via Transfermarkt, which is an impressive track record.
During his time at Fulham and Bournemouth respectively, this consistent form saw him guide both clubs to promotion from the second-tier, so he will already know what it takes to compete and be successful at the necessary level, and when you consider that no compensation would need to be paid to acquire his services, this is a swoop worth taking a chance on.
Manchester United are in the midst of a potential takeover at Old Trafford and the 'fixation' on a preferred bidder being announced by the Glazer family during the process is 'unhelpful' to the process, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.
What's the latest ownership news involving Manchester United?
According to The Daily Mail, Manchester United may not enter new ownership before the start of the 2023/24 campaign as the Glazer family haven't identified their preferred bidder to take control at Old Trafford.
Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani and the Nine Two Foundation alongside Sir Jim Ratcliffe's petrochemicals are still competing for different variations of control; however, the deadlock will not affect Erik ten Hag's £120 million summer transfer budget.
ESPN detail that several minority investment firms are also waiting to hear whether they have been successful in their bid to plough financial capital into the Premier League giants.
As per The Guardian, Manchester United staff are fearful for their job security due to the uncertainty surrounding the club's impending takeover due to a lack of information about the permutations of a change of hands at Old Trafford.
800-plus staff at the Red Devils are in the dark about their future as the ownership saga drags on at the club and it looks like they may have to wait a while yet to find out the new policies of whoever takes over from the Glazer family.
Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jacobs has dropped some fresh insight into the state of play at Manchester United regarding their ownership situation.
Jacobs told FFC: "Those running the process are working around the clock now with both groups to try and get both offers in shape, which is highly atypical.
"This is also why the fixation with a preferred bidder is largely unhelpful, because if we were earlier in the process, you would have a preferred bidder, and then that preferred bidder would enter into a period of exclusivity and they would undertake due diligence and any potential final negotiation and it would be significant because the Glazers would have showed their hands.
"The longer the process has gone on, the less need in many ways there is to crown anyone a preferred bidder. Instead, the Raine Group and the Glazers can simply pick a winner. Until they pick a winner, there's no real need to place either of the groups or any minority investor in a period of exclusivity because every offer on the table is executional.
"If the Glazers don't, until they pick a winner, provide a period of exclusivity, then they can obviously have maximum competitive tension. Then, if or when a winner is named, we then wait and see whether there is a short period of exclusivity to effectively go through the process of acquisition, but that would still be different to a preferred bidder in a period of exclusivity."
What now for Manchester United?
Manchester United look like they will be in the grips of a takeover stalemate for a while yet. Despite this, other matters will also need to take priority over the next few months, with recruitment likely to be a key focus at Old Trafford.
Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount is a target for Erik ten Hag and the Dutchman has already seen a bid of around £40 million rejected for the England international, though is expected to return with an improved offer in the region of £50 million, as per The Daily Mail.
Chelsea's Mason Mount
The Evening Standard also report that Manchester United are now 'favourites' to sign Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana this summer as rival suitors Chelsea have now dropped out of the race to acquire the Cameroon international.
But without a potential takeover, it will be intriguing to see how their transfer plans may be affected this summer.
Arsenal are eyeing Athletic Bilbao starlet Nico Williams and have held a long term interest in his signing, according to 90min and journalist Graeme Bailey.
Who could join Arsenal this summer?
Mikel Arteta and co must now prepare for what will be a crunch, all important transfer window. The Gunners missed out on their first Premier League title in nearly 20 years to treble-winners Man City last season, meaning this summer is a chance to both improve and strengthen in key areas.
Sporting director Edu has long been preparing, recently admitting as much to ESPN (via 90min), with plans already put in place as far back as April.
"Our planning has already been done," said the Brazilian.
"It has already reached the owners. Now, we're taking things step by step. We're focused on how we will finish the season, but we've put in the planning and I'm very excited."
Midfield signings are thought to be a real priority for Arteta, leading to serious interest and talks to sign West Ham star Declan Rice. Other targets for the position are Brighton star Moises Caicedo and Man City captain Ilkay Gundogan, who is yet to put pen to paper on a new deal.
In terms of forwards, Arsenal are thought to be keen on strengthening that area, with Chelsea star Kai Havertz becoming a serious target lately.
According to Bailey and 90min, though, the north Londoners are also eyeing a move for Bilbao forward Williams, and are thought to hold a long-standing interest.
Athletic Bilbao forward Nico Williams.
The 20-year-old, who has already been capped at international level for Spain, is also attracting attention from Aston Villa with Unai Emery's side apparently opening talks.
It's clear Williams is a man in demand, as it's understood both Man City and Newcastle have enquired over the player in recent months too.
Who is Nico Williams?
Coming as a player of real potential, members of the media have heaped praise on Bilbao's starlet for his form last season, with journalist Zach Lowy listing him among his "breakout stars" of La Liga.
He is also "considered one of the top young attacking prospects in Europe", according to 90min again, with Williams' brother, Inaki, heaping praise on the winger back in September.
"[Nico] is a great player, he is in incredible shape and I think he can give a lot to Spain. He has shown it by giving Morata a good pass and I am very happy for him.”
Newcastle United are in pole position to win the race for touted transfer target James Maddison after failing with a £50m bid for his signature one year ago.
What's the latest on James Maddison to Newcastle?
That's according to the ever-reliable Athletic, who claim that the 26-year-old attacking midfielder's future 'almost certainly' lies away from the King Power Stadium following Leicester's relegation from the Premier League this season.
Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are all vying for his services themselves but it is Eddie Howe's Magpies who are the frontrunners.
Due to the Foxes' current situation and Maddison having just one year left on his current deal, 'several intermedieries' have priced the England international at just £40m – which could be an absolute steal as Newcastle look to consolidate their newfound stature.
How would James Maddison perform for Newcastle?
Make no mistake, despite playing a central role in a relegated outfit, Maddison is a "world-class" – as praised by England manager Gareth Southgate – midfielder and he has maintained a commendable direct return this term.
While Leicester's defence floundered like a fish out of water, the offensive efforts still held some air of cohesion, with Harvey Barnes and Maddison notably impressing.
Maddison would score ten goals and supply nine assists from just 30 appearances, and there is a case to be made that had injury not plagued the £110k-per-week phenom across the remaining eight clashes, his side would have discovered the two additional points needed to preserve top-flight status.
The fact he did not certainly plays into the hands of his suitors and while there is a vested interest from numerous angles, Newcastle's lingering interest could persuade him to don black and white this summer, with the enticing proposition of injecting superlative creativity and flair into a burgeoning outfit with a ceiling too daunting to conceive.
While it's clear that the two-cap gem would enhance the Toon's offensive calibre, let's delve a little deeper into the intricacies of just how this "football nut" – as manager Dean Smith heralded Maddison – would affect an outfit already boasting success beyond measure, given that just 18 months ago the Magpies fretted over their own battle against the claws of relegation.
The arresting element to his game is the goals, thumped from range, deftly guided from close; his assists, whipped, curled, placed with the perfect clarity of an innate artist.
But Maddison has proved that he is the all-encompassing and tenacious star Howe needs to continue to keep the club's togetherness and resilience woven, embedded into the squad's chemistry, without seam.
As per FBref, the one-time Norwich City ace ranks among the top 17% of attacking midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for rate of tackles per 90, while Sofascore illustrates his defensive work-rate by referencing his 1.7 tackles per game – in the Premier League this term – and his success in 57% of his contested ground duels – omnipresent in his work.
The "monster" – as dubbed by journalist Josh Bunting – would enrich the hopes of his teammates' individual success, and while his work across the field will provide variegated members with increased fortunes, none may flourish with richer support than that of prolific talisman Callum Wilson.
The 31-year-old Englishman has been in scintillating goalscoring form this term – his best Premier League season on an individual level – and has plundered 18 goals from just 21 starts.
The £46k-per-week striker ranks among the top 4% of positional peers for rate of non-penalty goals and the top 8% for rate of assists per 90, and given Maddison's own prolific nature, the two could meld gloriously to wreak havoc on their foes.
Maddison will bolster the whole gamut at St. James's Park, and given the success that the outfit have found this year, it must be terrifying for rival opposition to consider the leaps and bounds that may still be made.